Maps of Music

Velvet Gloves and Spit (1968)

Where the lyrics of Velvet Gloves and Spit take you, and where it was really made.

None of the three singles from this album charted high: the best result was 'Brooklyn Roads' at No. 58 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Place unknown

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Velvet Gloves and Spit: third album by Neil Diamond
First album released on MCA's Uni label
Released 15 October 1968
The initial release contained 10 songs
Three low-charting singles: 'Brooklyn Roads' (No. 58), 'Two-Bit Manchild' (No. 66), 'Sunday Sun' (No. 68)
All tracks written by Neil Diamond

Diamond's first release for MCA's Uni label, marking a new label start for his recordings
Album placed among his early 1968 releases, when singles were the main chart focus
Sleeve note credits the kids of Phoenix House in New York City for helping shape 'The Pot Smoker's Song'

Track listing includes 'Honey-Drippin' Times', 'Holiday Inn Blues', 'Practically Newborn', 'Knackelflerg' and 'Merry-Go-Round' alongside the three singles
Ten songs in total across both sides of the original issue

American singer-songwriter born January 24, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York City, to a Jewish family.
Began as a staff songwriter at Sunbeam Music Publishing and worked in the Brill Building in the 1960s.
Wrote hits for others, including "I'm a Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" recorded by the Monkees.
Solo breakthrough with "Sweet Caroline" (1969), followed by "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Song Sung Blue", both No. 1 on the Hot 100.
Live album Hot August Night (1972) recorded at the Greek Theater, Los Angeles.
Starred in the 1980 remake The Jazz Singer and won a Razzie for Worst Actor.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and stopped touring in 2018.

Record World called 'Sunday Sun' a 'walking-talking song' and described it as a 'rhythmic, hypnotic new ditty'
Record World described 'Brooklyn Roads' as a stirring, autobiographical song with Thomas Wolfe overtones
Cash Box praised 'Brooklyn Roads' for its nostalgic view of childhood, its vocal and lyrical impact, and its production and dance appeal

The sleeve note thanks the kids of Phoenix House in New York City, young ex-drug addicts, for helping with 'The Pot Smoker's Song'.
'Brooklyn Roads' is described in reviews as a glimpse of childhood's 'good old days'.
'Sunday Sun' was the third single released from the album and reached No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The original issue held ten songs, which is fewer than many albums of the time.